Memorial Hermann Southwest Reaches Patients on a Global Level

HOUSTON, TX (March24,
2010)

Memorial Hermann Southwest is known as one of the best hospitals in the nation, and recent humanitarian efforts in Haiti and Guatemala are just two reasons why the hospital maintains national prestige.

Just days after the tragic event that occurred in Haiti, Shari Riley, operations administrator for Memorial Hermann Southwest, formed a Haiti Relief committee. With four other employees, they managed to quickly put together a plan.

"I already wanted to do something myself," said Riley. "So when this opportunity came up, I immediately jumped on it."

In just five days, the committee organized a drive and raised more than $7,000 toward the relief efforts in Haiti. The money was donated to Doctors without Borders and the Memorial Hermann Foundation-Haiti Relief Fund.

"It was very spontaneous and I think we did absolutely superb," said Arlene Miller, clinical director of the Family Place at Memorial Hermann Southwest. "We did so well in such short period of time."

Haiti isn't the only third-world country the staff at Memorial Hermann Southwest has recently reached out to. Under the leadership of Dr. David Charles Walker and the medical mission team, Faith in Practice, a team of nurses and surgeons set out to Retalhuleu, Guatemala to complete a surgical mission.

In eight days, working 12-hour shifts, the team performed an astounding 62 surgeries.

"It was very satisfying," said Maria Villaflor, RN at Memorial Hermann Southwest. "The amazing thing is to see in their faces how grateful they are for what we do."

According to Riley, the "family" at Memorial Hermann Southwest is no stranger to philanthropy. Whether it's local or global, their pride in generosity goes a long way.

"I am so proud to be a part of this family," said Riley. "This is what we are all about; caring, helping, giving."